Compare roles in health

You need to have successfully completed one of the HCPC-approved postgraduate education and training courses in music therapy. Only then can you apply to join the HCPC’s Register of Health and Care Professionals, and use the protected title of ‘music therapist’. The training course take two years full time or can be completed over a period of three or four years part time. You'll need formal arts training and often need a music degree. A level 7 apprenticeship for arts therapists (art therapists/art psychotherapists, dramatherapists and music therapists) has also been approved for delivery.

Music therapists work part-time and in some cases full time in the NHS. They usually start at band 6 of the Agenda for Change pay rates. Their working hours will generally be from 9am to 5pm but this may vary depending on their service and role. In other settings, their working hours will depend on where they work. For example, in education, they may work school hours, and during term time only.

Music therapists need many skills including a high level of musicianship, excellent communication skills and the ability to empathise, creativity and imagination. You'll also need a desire to be part of the caring professions, flexibility, adaptability and openness.

Some music therapists choose to specialise in a particular clinical area of interest such as dementia, child development, neuro-disability, mental health or palliative care. Other music therapists choose to work in two or three clinical areas depending on their interests. Music therapists hold both employed and self-employed posts, with some choosing to work both for an employer and at the same time offering a private practice. There are opportunities to develop your skills and take on more managerial roles music therapists also hold posts such as head of arts therapy.

You’ll need two or three A2 or A-levels including science subjects or equivalent level-3 qualifications for the BSc (Hons) healthcare science NHS Practitioner Training Programme, a relevant degree (at a minimum of a 2:1 classification. For the NHS Scientist Training Programme you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science subject such as physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology or sports science (if there is significant scientific content). If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable. To enter Higher Specialist Scientist Training you'll need to be a registered clinical scientist and have considerable relevant experience.

NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d typically start of AfC band 5 and band 6 on the STP. With further experience and qualifications, you could apply for posts up to band 9, depending on the role and level of responsibility. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

Able to show understanding, tolerance and give reassurance to patients, an interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, pay attention to detail and able to work as part of a team.

With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.